8.5 inch Newtonian Telescope. Focal length ≈ 750 mm.

This telescope was built sometime in the mid 70s and the optics are believed to be David Hinds. Unfortunately, the original paperwork was lost due to a burglary a few years back but I am the second owner of this telescope and I bought it about 10/12 years ago. Originally, the telescope took 1 inch lenses but has been upgraded to take 1.25 inch. However, there is an adaptor so the original (1 inch) 6 and 18mm lenses (and a X2 Barlow) can still be used. It comes with basic 1.25 inch 4, 6, 7 and 9mm lenses as well as a Saito 40mm one (which I think is a sort of wide angle lens – what ever, it’s good), a X2 Barlow and a Celestron X-Cel 5mm (which is brilliant and just about all I use now). There are a few other bits, cables, camera mounting experiments and a filter in the box.

The mount is an HEQ5 PRO with SynScan EQ (Ver 02.05) which I bought when the original mount wore out. I chose this mount because it had excellent reviews but, partly due to my job and partly because I finished my studies is astronomy and astrophysics (and moved on to genetics), has actually hardly been used. However, that said, the only reason I am selling my telescope is because I am off to Uganda and, simplistically, if it doesn’t fit in my rucksack, I don’t want it any more.

I’m not offering my power supply in this sale. However, all that is needed a basic ≈ 12v dc supply (ie a car battery). Just make sure you get the polarity the right way round.

And then you have everything I had when I took the attached photos of the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn – with my little Sony 5Mpx pocket camera – through the telescope click picture to view.

Buyer collect, viewing recommended. No warranty implied or given. Offers from £825

Titus Drummond BSc

Phone 01985220669 (Crockerton) and ask for Phil (I’ll be in Uganda!) or email Phil at bararacucudada@hotmail.com.